NEW Hemyock FC manager Sam Iddon certainly did not want to make life easy for himself when he selected his pre-season friendly opponents.

Hemyock have been on the end of some serious defeats but Iddon’s logic is that he will learn more from playing against better sides than watching Hemyock be the ones handing out heavy defeats.

With just a couple more friendlies to play before the league programme gets under way with an away fixture at St Martins on Saturday, September 19, now is the time for Iddon to start picking his best 11 to start fixtures. Yes, it will mean he has to upset some, but this is all part of his role, especially if he is to take Hemyock forward as he set out when appointed.

Last Tuesday evening Hemyock made the long trip to Minehead to face their reserves under the floodlights at Irnham Road. It would have been the first time many of the Hemyock players had played under floodlights and they came away with a respectable 0-0 draw with Iddon learning a lot.

On Saturday, things were not as rosey. Wellington Reserves made the short trip over the hill and dominated most of the game, running out eventual 7-0 winners.

Thanks to Sean Buttle and Dave Darch for bringing their team over, and it is hoped they got something out of the game.

This week Hemyock were set to play Cranbrook on Tuesday evening (September 8) while playing Seaton tomorrow (Saturday, September 12) before the real stuff starts next weekend.

Phil Bell